Audible electronic exercise monitor

ABSTRACT

An electronic activity monitor for monitoring the performance of an activity such as an exercise comprises an activity detector responsive to motion associated with the performance of the activity to output a corresponding signal, a processor for receiving the signal and determining a starting address at which a block of corresponding sound data is stored, a memory for storing sound data corresponding to a plurality of values associated with the monitored activity, the sound data preferably comprising data representing a voice representation of the values, and a speech generator for generating a naturally-sounding human voice or reproducing a pre-stored version of an actual human voice or other audible indicia in accordance with the sound data stored in the memory. The speech generator is controlled by the processor in response to the activity detector to provide a verbal representation of the user&#39;s performance of the activity. Motivational speech may also be generated to encourage correct and continued performance of the activity.

[0001] The present application is a continuation-in-part of applicationSer. No. 09/891,745, filed on Jun. 26, 2001; which is a continuation ofapplication Ser. No. 09/228,590, filed on Jan. 12, 1999, now U.S. Pat.No. US 6,251,048 B1; which is a continuation-in-part of application Ser.No. 08/869,749, filed on Jun. 5, 1997, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,857,939.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates generally to an exercise monitoringdevice and, more particularly, to an audible exercise monitoring devicedesigned for stand-alone use, to be worn on a part of a user's body, forincorporation into an exercise mat or other surface, or as part of apiece of exercise equipment, such as one of the type having adisplaceable member adapted to undergo reciprocal (i.e., cyclical)movement in response to a repetitive curling, bending, pushing, pulling,or pressing force of a user. More specifically, the present inventionrelates to an audible electronic exercise monitoring, coaching andtraining device which monitors the user's exercise performance andissues audible and optionally visual and textual indicia, such as averbal count of the rate, distance, number of exercise repetitions, andthe like, performed by the user and/or issues audible alarms, verbalinstructions, verbal motivation and encouragement and other verbal ortextual information and instruction.

DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART

[0003] A wide variety of different types of equipment is available forexercising different individual muscles and muscle groups of the humanbody. Free weights, such as dumbbells and barbells, have long beenwidely used in both commercial and residential settings. Low costuniversal-type weight training equipment has more recently becomeaccessible to consumers for residential use, as have sophisticatedcardiovascular exercise devices such as electromechanical stationarybicycles, motorized treadmills, hydraulic stair climbers, rowingmachines, aerobic riders, aerobic flyers, and the like.

[0004] Many different types of cardiovascular exercise equipment areprovided with electronic monitoring devices for tracking the user'sperformance and providing the user with a practical performance targetor goal. Even inexpensive stationary bicycles, stair climbers andtreadmills are often provided with built-in timers, pulsemeters, caloriecounters, speedometers, odometers and/or pedometers. Such devices arerelatively inexpensive to produce and are simple in design, relying uponthe use of a single programmed microprocessor or application-specificintegrated circuit to calculate various information using performancedata acquired from standard sensors. For instance, the number ofcalories expended during an exercise may be determined using a simplecalculation based upon the exercise resistance, exercise rate andelapsed time. Pulse rate monitoring devices are also of simple designand low cost. By monitoring the user's pulse, the number of caloriesexpended and the like, the user may be provided with a practicalindication of his or her exercise progress and performance.

[0005] The use of electronic monitoring instruments in conventionalcardiovascular training equipment has had some beneficial fitnessresults, including a moderate increase in the level of user interest andan increased level of exercise performance. However, the most beneficialresults of any exercise are obtained when an individual is given aspecific, easily understandable performance target, is informed of hisor her exercise progress, and is given verbal motivation, coaching,encouragement and instruction. When this is done, the individual isgenerally more interested in performing an exercise routine correctlyand completely, and the results of the exercise routine are markedlyimproved.

[0006] While pulsemeters, calorie counters, odometers, pedometers, andthe like, serve to increase user interest, they do not serve to directlymotivate or coach the individual to complete an exercise program. Nor dosuch devices ensure that an individual is performing an exercise routinecorrectly or completely, or that the user is following an appropriatedietary regimen. Moreover, electronic monitoring devices of the typedescribed above are of limited utility in connection withnon-cardiovascular, strength training exercise equipment such as freeweights and isometric exercisers. While such devices are useful formonitoring cardiovascular exercises, information such as pulse rate,elapsed time and calories expended is only of secondary importance innon-cardiovascular exercises, which are generally designed to increasemuscle strength. While the primary goal of cardiovascular exercise is tomaintain a target elevated pulse rate for a prolonged period of time,the goal of most non-cardiovascular exercises is the targeting ofindividual muscles for a relatively short period of time to increasestrength. Such exercises do not generally result in prolonged heart rateelevation. Thus, even highly sophisticated non-cardiovascular trainingequipment is not generally provided with electronic monitoring equipmentsimilar to that described above. Users of such equipment are thereforerequired to perform non-cardiovascular exercises in the presence offitness professionals or are otherwise relegated to perform boring,strenuous exercise routines alone and to monitor their own performance.Additionally, exercise routines are often accompanied by dietaryregimens requiring the intake of certain foods and food supplements atspecific times and in specific quantities. Nor do conventional exercisemonitoring devices provide the user with any dietary information toassist the user in maintaining a specific exercise and dietary program.

[0007] Although they are perhaps the most important part of any weighttraining exercise routine, the last one or two repetitions are also themost difficult to perform. At the point an individual reaches the lastfew repetitions of an exercise, the individual is under a great deal ofphysical stress. Despite the importance of the last few repetitions ofsuch an exercise, these last repetitions are extremely difficult. In theabsence of a spotter or personal trainer for providing verbal motivationand encouragement, many individuals have found it difficult to properlycomplete these last few repetitions of a weight training exercise due tothe lack of self-motivation brought on by intense physical stress.Although prior art monitoring devices exist for monitoring the resultsof an exercise, no previously-available electronic exercise monitoringdevice has addressed the need for providing an individual with themotivation and encouragement needed to complete an exercise routine.

[0008] Another good example of this is situps and pushups. While pushupsare a highly beneficial exercise, there are no electronic monitoring orcoaching devices available for use in conjunction with pushups.Similarly, situps are generally the most straightforward and usefulexercise motion for addressing the entire abdominal structure of thehuman body. However, they are also strenuous to perform, boring and verydifficult to monitor. There are no electronic monitoring devicesavailable for stand-alone use in conjunction with situp or pushup typeexercises, and the individual performing such exercises must either relyupon another person to monitor their performance or must somehow keeptrack of his or her own performance.

[0009] Even though several types of exercise devices have been developedfor use in exercising the abdominal muscles by augmenting the naturalresistive force of gravity against the human body, such devices are notgenerally provided with any type of electronic monitoring equipmentsimilar to that provided in cardiovascular fitness equipment.

[0010] Although there are a virtually unlimited number of differenttypes of mechanical devices designed to replace exercises such aspushups and situps, most of these devices, despite their high cost,provide little or no added benefit over fundamental exercises such assitups and pushups. Nor do any of these devices provide a means formonitoring, motivating, or coaching the user to correctly and completelyperform an exercise.

[0011] For instance, various types of rotary movement abdominal exercisedevices are available that target the abdominal muscles. Some suchdevices are designed to facilitate curling motion while a person isoriginally lying in a supine position. Other such devices are designedto facilitate such motion while a person is in a seated position. Suchequipment, however, is entirely mechanical in nature and is notgenerally provided with electronic monitoring devices. In one knownabdominal exercise device, for example, the user performs abdominalcurling exercises against a resistance provided by the machine. The useris seated in an upright position and performs the curling and uncurlingmotion against a resistance provided by a bar mounted in a cantileveredmanner on an arm which pivots about a fixed point forwardly andrearwardly with the user's curling and uncurling exercise motion. Inanother well known variation of this device, the bar is adapted toundergo variable resistance throughout the curling and uncurling motionto maximize exercise benefits. There are no electronic monitoringdevices provided in this type of equipment for monitoring a user'sperformance and offering verbal motivation and encouragement. As aresult, the individual is required to monitor his or her own performanceor to rely upon another person, such as a personal trainer.

[0012] Another abdominal exerciser which has recently become popular isdesigned to support the user's head and neck while performing situp typeexercises from a supine position. The device is formed of a tubularframe defining a pair of laterally spaced support rails, a pair oflaterally spaced rocker portions, a pair of laterally spaced arm restportions and a connecting portion for connecting the support railstogether. Cushions are disposed on the arm rest portions to receive theelbows of the user when in a lying position. The head and neck of theuser are supported on a padded support extending across the connectingportion. In one variation of this device, the rocker portions are curvedon a circular arc to match the curvature of the spine when performingthe situp type exercises. In another variation of this device, therocker portions are merely pivot points designed to facilitate rockingmotion on a circular arc, also to match the curvature of the spine whenperforming the situp type exercises. While this basic device isavailable in various other configurations, with or without arcuateportions, each such variation is designed to support the user's neck andhead when performing situps or crunches. For example, in anothervariation, the connecting portion is disposed proximate the arm restportions of the device, rather than the head rest portion.

[0013] Much like weight training equipment and other types ofnon-cardiovascular fitness equipment, none of the foregoing types ofexercise equipment is provided with an electronic device for providinguseful instructions to the user, monitoring the user's performancelevel, increasing the user's interest level by providing verbalmotivation and encouragement, informing the user of an attainable goal,or providing the user with a suitable exercise and dietary regimen.Additionally, there are very few available monitoring devices for usewith exercises that are performed without the use of any type ofexercise device. As noted above, conventional exercise monitoringdevices also do not provide the verbal motivation and encouragement of apersonal trainer. Situps, for example, may be performed on an exercisemat or floor without the use of a curling device. Pushups may also beperformed on any flat surface. When an exercise is performed without theuse of any type of exercise equipment, no electronic monitoring deviceis generally used. A need therefore exists for an electronic exercisemonitor for stand-alone use, to be worn on a part of the user's body, orfor at least partial incorporation into a piece of exercise equipment oran exercise surface to monitor an exercise and provide the user withverbal motivation, and optionally to provide the user with usefulinstructions and information concerning his or her exercise performance,to warn the user of an incorrect or potentially dangerous condition, toprovide the user with verbal encouragement and motivation to perform anexercise correctly and completely, and to assist the user in maintaininga desirable diet and exercise routine.

[0014] Although there have been previous attempts to provide suchinstructional information and encouragement through the use ofpre-recorded audio and video exercise programs, no such program iscapable of monitoring the performance of the user while performing theexercise described and shown on the pre-recorded program.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0015] In view of the foregoing, an object of the present invention isto provide a device for use in monitoring the progress and performanceof an activity (such as an exercise routine) and for providing a verbalindication of the user's performance.

[0016] Another object of the present invention is to provide a devicefor use in monitoring a user's progress and performance of an exerciseroutine and for ensuring that the exercise routine is correctlyperformed.

[0017] Another object of the present invention is to provide a devicefor use in monitoring the progress and performance of an exerciseroutine, for ensuring that the exercise routine is correctly performed,and for issuing a verbal indication of the monitored exercise progressand performance and verbal encouragement and alarms.

[0018] Another object of the present invention is to provide a devicefor monitoring at least one function associated with the performance ofan exercise and issuing a verbal representation thereof at selectedtimes.

[0019] Still another object of the present invention to provide exercisemonitoring devices of the aforementioned types for stand-alone use withor without exercise equipment, or for incorporation into a piece ofexercise equipment or an exercise surface for monitoring exercisesperformed by a user.

[0020] Yet another object of the present invention is to provideexercise monitoring devices of the aforementioned types designed forstand-alone use with or without exercise equipment, or to coact with orfor incorporation into various different types of exercise equipment formonitoring an exercise performed by a user while using the exerciseequipment, or to provide a verbal indication of one or more monitoredexercise functions such as exercise rate, distance, time, pulse rate,calories expended, breathing pattern, heart or muscle strength, and thelike.

[0021] Still yet another object of the present invention is to provide adevice capable of monitoring the number of exercise repetitionsperformed while using a known exercise device.

[0022] Another object of the present invention is to provide an exercisemonitor capable of detecting when exercises are being performedimproperly by the user and issuing an audible alarm.

[0023] Another object of the present invention is to provide an exercisemonitor for monitoring, coaching and training a user, and issuingaudible indicia such as a verbal representation of at least onemonitored function, audible alarms, instructions, motivation andencouragement, and/or information relating to exercise and dietprograms.

[0024] An additional object of the present invention is to provide anelectronic exercise monitor which verbally informs the user of his orher exercise progress and/or which offers the user verbal encouragementand motivation.

[0025] These and other objects are achieved by the present invention,which provides an electronic exercise monitoring device for monitoringthe performance of an exercise by a user. In accordance with a firstaspect of the present invention, the exercise monitoring devicecomprises one or more exercise detection means each for detecting afunction associated with the performance of an exercise and outputting acorresponding signal which varies in accordance with the detectedfunction, processing means for receiving the signal output from each ofthe one or more exercise detection means and determining therefor astarting address at which a block of corresponding sound data is stored,a memory for storing sound data associated with the at least onedetected exercise function, and a speech generator for generating avoice in accordance with the sound data, the speech generator beingcontrolled by the processing means in response to the one or moreexercise detection means to output a verbal representation associatedwith the one or more detected exercise functions and/or a variabledetermined in accordance therewith at selected times as a userprogressively performs the exercise.

[0026] As will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art, thesound data may comprise data for producing a verbal representation ofthe monitored exercise function, a variable determined by the processingmeans in accordance therewith, or a motivational phrase selected basedupon the monitored exercise function and indicating a relative exerciseperformance level.

[0027] In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention, theexercise monitoring device comprises one or more exercise detectionmeans each for detecting a function associated with the performance ofan exercise and outputting a corresponding signal which varies inaccordance with the detected exercise function, processing means forreceiving the signal output from each of the one or more exercisedetection means and determining therefor a starting address at which ablock of corresponding sound data is stored, a memory for storing firstsound data associated with the at least one detected exercise functionand second sound data representative of a plurality of verbal phrasesfor encouraging the user to continue to perform the exercise or alarmingthe user of an incorrect or potentially dangerous condition, and aspeech generator for generating a voice in accordance with first andsecond sound data stored in the memory, the speech generator beingcontrolled by the processing means in response to each exercise detectorto output a verbal representation of the one or more detected exercisefunctions at selected times as a user progressively performs theexercise in accordance with the first sound data, and to output aselected verbal phrase selected from the second sound data based on thevalue of a detected exercise function so as to inform the user of his orher exercise progress, to motivate the user to continue to perform theexercise correctly, or to provide a verbal alarm to the user.

[0028] The detected exercise functions may comprise any functionsassociated with the performance of an exercise, which may depend uponthe particular exercise that is being performed. Such functions include,but are not limited to, time, distance, number of laps, number ofrepetitions, speed, pulse rate, height, calories expended, appliedforce, breathing pattern, accuracy, and the like. Any other functionassociated with the performance of an exercise or other activity mayalso serve as a detected function in accordance with the presentinvention, the particular type of function not being limited to thosedescribed herein.

[0029] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, theelectronic exercise monitor is adapted for stand-alone use to permit useof the device in conjunction with exercises that are performed with orwithout the use of a piece of exercise equipment, such as walking,jogging, running, situps, pullups, weight training, bicycling, swimming,and the like. The exercise monitor utilizes an exercise motion detectorof conventional structure for detecting an exercise function associatedwith a particular exercise, such as distance traveled (in the case ofwalking, jogging, running, cycling or treadmill exercises), or, forinstance, for detecting a specific motion (in the case of situps,pushups, swimming, and the like), for detecting the repetitive motionassociated with the performance of the exercise and for outputting acorresponding signal which varies in accordance with the performance ofthe exercise. Alternatively, or in addition thereto, the exercisemonitor may be provided with a detector for measuring a physiologicalcondition of the user as a function associated with the performance ofan exercise, such as a pulse meter for monitoring the user's pulse or astress gauge for monitoring movements of the user's chest in accordancewith the user's breathing pattern. In accordance with this aspect of thepresent invention, the exercise monitor may be fully or partially housedin a case or package that may be carried or worn by the user on thewrist, ankle, waist, glove, neck, hat, and the like. Alternatively, theexercise monitor may be built into a piece of exercise equipment or anexercise surface such as an exercise mat. The exercise detection meanscomprise conventionally available detectors having a structure dependingupon the particular exercise function being monitored. Examples arenoted above. In the case of exercise repetitions, the detector maysimply comprise a switch or other input means capable of detectingsuccessive repetitions of a repetitive exercise, such as presses,extensions, pushups or situps, that are being performed by the user.

[0030] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, theexercise monitor is incorporated at least partially into a piece ofexercise equipment and the exercise motion detector comprises means fordetecting movement of a displaceable member of the exercise equipment,such as a cantilevered arm, a flywheel, a cable, a barbell, or the like,the detecting means being responsive to the repeated motion of thedisplaceable member, for example, to output a signal which varies inaccordance with the cyclical movement (such as rotary, linear,reciprocal, and the like) of the displaceable member in response toperformance of an exercise by the user on the exercise equipment. Anymeans capable of detecting the cyclical performance of an exercise on apiece of exercise equipment may be used as the motion detector. As notedabove, the exercise monitor may also be provided with an exercisedetector comprising means for monitoring a physiological condition ofthe user, such as the user's pulse rate, oxygen intake, EEG, and thelike, so as to monitor the user's physiological condition as a functionof the exercise being performed. In all cases, the physiologicalcondition may be the sole monitored function, or one of a plurality ofmonitored functions.

[0031] In each of the above-described aspects of the present invention,the processing means receives an output signal of the exercise detector,which varies in accordance with the monitored exercise function, anddetermines therefor at selected times a starting address at which ablock of corresponding sound data is stored. The memory stores sounddata representative of a voice for all or some values of the monitoredfunction(s) so as to provide a verbal representation of a monitoredfunction and/or sound data representative of motivational phrases. Inorder to generate a voice representation of the one or more monitoredfunctions or a selected motivational phrase, the exercise monitor isfurther provided with a speech generator for generating anaturally-sounding human voice (or reproducing a pre-stored version ofan actual human voice) or other audible indicia in accordance with thesound data stored in the memory. The speech generator is controlled bythe processing means in response to the exercise monitor so as toprovide, at selected times, a verbal indication of the performance ofthe exercise by the user and/or verbal motivation. Thus, for example, ifthe monitored function comprises exercise repetitions, the exercisemonitor may progressively count some or all of the sequential exerciserepetitions performed by the user and may encourage the user to completethe exercise routine.

[0032] In accordance with one embodiment of the present inventionadapted to count successive repetitions of an exercise performed on apiece of exercise equipment, a switch (such as a contact switch or amercury switch) is provided for monitoring the reciprocal movement of adisplaceable member of a piece of exercise equipment. Preferably, theswitch has contacts disposed such that each full cycle of motion of thedisplaceable member causes a single, temporary closure of the switchcontacts so as to permit the generation of a single pulse for eachrepetition and to permit detection of successive exercise repetitionswhich are to be verbally counted by the exercise monitor. A voice countis generated for all or only for selected ones of the exerciserepetitions. In another embodiment, rotary motion of a displaceablemember of a bicycle or treadmill is monitored and linear distance and/orspeed is calculated based on the rotary motion. A corresponding verbalrepresentation of the distance and/or speed is generated at selectedtimes. In accordance with the present invention, the electronic exercisemonitor provides a verbal representation of one or more monitoredexercise functions rather than merely a visual indication, such that theuser need not be mindful of a visual display and may instead concentrateon the exercise. However, a visual display may also be provided tosupplement the verbal representation and, optionally, to provide acontinuous indication of the one or more monitored functions in caseswhere a verbal count is not issued continuously.

[0033] In the case of repetitive exercises in which sets of successiveexercise repetitions are being monitored, the electronic exercisemonitor is preferably provided with input means to enable the user toset a desired exercise rate, a desired number of repetitions per set,and a desired enunciation pattern. To accomplish this, a first selectormay be provided for selecting an exercise rate at which human voicepatterns will be produced, the selected rate being variable between apredetermined minimum value and a predetermined maximum value (i.e., atempo), a second selector may be provided for selecting a desired numberof repetitions per set (hereinafter referred to as a “repetitionnumber”), and a third selector may be provided for selecting anenunciation pattern at which the human voice will be produced, such asby issuing a verbal count every one repetition, or issuing a verbalcount every five repetitions, or issuing a verbal count every tenrepetitions, etc. When the first through third selectors are included,the processing means is provided with means responsive to the firstthrough third selectors for setting the rate at which the human voice isread out from the memory, for detecting when to reset the count value soas to count successive sets of an exercise, and for controlling theenunciation pattern in the desired manner.

[0034] Alternatively, or additionally, the electronic exercise monitormay be provided with a switch for causing the issuance of a verbalrepresentation of a monitored function or other verbal indicia whenactivated, thereby providing the user with means for generating a voicerepresentation at random, user selectable times.

[0035] In addition or instead of providing a verbal representation ofone or more monitored functions associated with the performance of anexercise or activity, such as the time, rate, distance, number of laps,number of repetitions, pulse rate, calories expended, applied force,breathing pattern, accuracy, and the like, the exercise monitor may alsobe programmed to issue verbal phrases and/or to provide otherinformation to the user depending upon the value of a monitored function(or elapsed time), such as verbal encouragement to motivate the user tocontinue to perform the exercise correctly, instructions to guide theuser in a desired manner, alarms to warn the user of an incorrect orpotentially dangerous condition, and information concerning a desirableexercise and dietary routine. In order to accomplish this, theprocessing means may be programmed to control the speech generator toissue, at selected times, a selected phrase stored in the memory. Forinstance, the device may be programmed to issue instructions at thecommencement of an exercise, or to monitor the user's performance of theexercise and inform the user as to the correct manner to perform theexercise. Audible and preferably verbal alarms may be generated when theuser is incorrectly performing the exercise such as by performing it toofast or slow, or, for instance, when a detected physiological conditionindicates a potentially dangerous condition. Thus, for instance, if theuser's pulse rate is too low for too long, the device may advise theuser that he or she has not attained a desired target pulse range. Ifthe user's pulse is exceedingly high or has remained at an elevated ratefor too long, an audible alarm may be generated to warn the user of apotential danger, or to simply instruct the user to slow down. Verbalencouragement may be issued at selected times during the performance ofan exercise, and is most preferably issued based on the value of aparticular monitored function. Thus, for example, a selectedmotivational phrase can be issued when the user is nearing the end of anexercise, or when the user has slowed down, so as to encourage the userto complete the exercise correctly. As will be appreciated, these typesof verbal phrases, which are selected by the processing means dependentupon the value of a monitored function, can be the sole verbal output ofthe electronic exercise monitor. The user can also be instructed as tothe appropriate type and duration of warm up and cool down activities.

[0036] In the case of a monitored function which results in the issuanceof a verbal representation on a relatively frequent basis, such asnumber of repetitions, verbal encouragement may be generated between orin the place of one or more successive verbal count numbers and/or sets.Thus, for example, where the verbal encouragement comprises only one ortwo short words, it may be issued between successive repetition counts.On the other hand, when the available time between successive counts isshort and where the verbal encouragement comprises a relatively longphrase, it may be generated to replace one or more verbal repetitioncounts while the processing means keeps track of the proper count. Whenthe exercise rate is relatively slow, or between successive sets,however, even a long phrase may be inserted between successiverepetition counts. As will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill inthe art, the processing means is programmed to determine the appropriateinsertion point for verbal phrases of any given duration.

[0037] In one embodiment of the present invention, the switch of theexercise monitor is mounted to a displaceable member of an abdominalexercise device which is constructed of a tubular frame comprising apair of laterally spaced support rails for resting on a support surface(e.g., a floor), a pair of laterally spaced rocker portions each ofwhich extends forwardly from a respective support rail and a pair oflaterally spaced arm rest portions, each of which extends rearwardlyfrom a respective rocker portion to receive an elbow and arm of a persondisposed between the support rails in a supine position. The switch ismounted to a portion of the tubular frame which comes into and out ofcontact with the support surface (the floor) once each exerciserepetition. An upstanding arch-shaped portion is connected to andbetween the support rails to define a space to receive the head of aperson disposed between the support rails. A support means is alsosecured to and across the arch-shaped portion of the skeletal frame forsupporting the neck and head of a person disposed between the supportrails. During an exercise program, the user repeatedly curls his or herupper body in a forward and rearward rocking motion, which allows theuser to strengthen the abdominal muscles.

[0038] When in use, the person rests his or her elbows or arms on thearm rest portions while lying down and then repeatedly curls his or herbody forwardly and rearwardly while rocking on the rocker portions. Theswitch of the exercise monitor is mounted to the tubular frame in such amanner that closure of the switch contact members occurs once for eachexercise repetition, when the portion of the tubular frame on which theswitch is mounted comes into contact with the support surface. When theswitch contact members come into contact, a current flows through theswitch and is detected by the processing means. When the portion of thetubular frame on which the switch is mounted comes out of contact withthe support surface, the switch contact members are opened, and nocurrent flows through the switch. By monitoring the flow of currentthrough the switch, the processing means is capable of monitoring theexercise progress of the user. The user conducts isometric contractionsby applying a force through his or her arms to the exercise devicewhich, in turn, causes lifting of the head, neck and upper body of theperson when contracting the abdominal muscles. The exercise monitorprovides a verbal count of the repeated cyclical forward and rearwardcurling motions and optionally issues synchronized verbal encouragementto the user in the manner described above and set forth in greaterdetail hereinafter in connection with the detailed description of theattached drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0039]FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an electronic exercise monitoringapparatus in accordance with a first embodiment of the presentinvention;

[0040] FIGS. 2(a) and 2(b) are a flowchart illustrating operationsperformed by the processor illustrated in the embodiment shown in FIG.1;

[0041]FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of an exercise monitoring apparatusin accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention;

[0042]FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of an exercise monitoring apparatusin accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention;

[0043]FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of an exercise monitoring apparatusin accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present invention;

[0044]FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of an exercise monitoring apparatusin accordance with a fifth embodiment of the present invention;

[0045]FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of an exercise monitoring apparatusin accordance with a sixth embodiment of the present invention;

[0046]FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of an exercise monitoring apparatusin accordance with a seventh embodiment of the present invention;

[0047] FIGS. 9(a) and 9(b) are diagrams of an abdominal exercise deviceto which the exercise monitoring apparatus of the first and secondembodiments may be mounted; and

[0048]FIG. 10 is an external view of a watch case worn on a user'swrist, in which an exercise monitor of the present invention may beincorporated and including a pulse detector worn on the user's finger.

[0049]FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of a further embodiment of thepresent invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0050] As described above, by using appropriate detecting means wellknown to those of ordinary skill in the art, the exercise monitor of thepresent invention can be configured to monitor one or more functionsassociated with the performance of an exercise, such as time, rate,distance, repetitions, height, pulse rate, and the like, and provide, atselected times, a verbal representation of a monitored exercise functionand/or a variable determined in accordance therewith or a motivationalprompt selected based upon a monitored function. Verbal instructions,alarms and other indicia can be generated and textual or visualinformation relating to exercise performance, exercise instructions anddietary information can also be produced. The device can also provide acombination of one or more of these features so that countlessvariations are possible, some of which will be described below and allof which are considered to be within the scope of the present invention.

[0051]FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an exercise monitoring apparatus10 in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention, inwhich the device is configured for monitoring a repetitive exercise bycounting the repetitions thereof in sets and providing a verbalrepresentation thereof along with verbal encouragement. As will beappreciated by those ordinarily skilled in the art, the monitor mayeasily be configured to provide only one of these verbal outputs. Thus,it is within the scope of the invention to provide a device whichproduces verbal motivation based upon user performance of an activity.While the first embodiment described below monitors exerciserepetitions, any other function associated with the performance of anactivity may additionally or alternatively be monitored and verbalrepresentations and motivational phrases can be generated in a mannersimilar to that described below.

[0052] As shown, the system has four main control functions, exerciserate, number of repetitions per set, enunciation pattern, and volume,which produce a synthesized speech pattern that is effective to providethe user with a continuous count of his or her exercise repetitions toassist the user in maintaining a desired exercise rate, and to ensurethat the user is correctly performing the exercise. As will beunderstood, one or all of these control functions may be eliminated, ifdesired, to simplify the design. One or more of these control functionswill also be unnecessary in the case of other monitored functions, mostnotably those which do not depend upon exercise repetitions (such asjogging).

[0053] The selection of the desired exercise rate, in repetitions perminute, is made by setting a repetition rate selector 12. Although therepetition rate of the exercise is a function entirely dependent uponthe user's performance of successive exercises, the setting of a targetrepetition rate by use of repetition rate selector 12 provides variousadvantages, as will be described below. The repetition rate selector 12preferably comprises a multi-position switch having poles selectivelytied, for example, to +5V so as to provide an input level compatiblewith that of a processing means, such as a microprocessor 14 or amicrocontroller. Alternatively, the repetition rate selector 12 may bein the form of a potentiometer control and designed to produce a pulsetrain at a frequency corresponding to the desired repetition rate. Inthe latter case, the repetition rate selector 12 would preferablycomprise a monostable multivibrator and a potentiometer control forvarying the RC time constant of the monostable multivibrator to producepulses of a time duration which is a function of the RC time constant ata frequency corresponding to the desired repetition rate.

[0054] The range of exercise rates provided by a multi-position switch,or the range of frequency of pulses produced by the repetition rateselector 12 is variable between minimum and maximum rates which are setas realistic rates depending upon the particular exercise. Thus, forexample, when the exercise is situps, the device would be set to providea minimum repetition rate of, for example, 20 repetitions per minute anda maximum repetition rate of 200 repetitions per minute. On the otherhand, when the exercise is one such as bench presses, a maximumrepetition rate of 100 repetitions per minute and a minimum repetitionof 5 repetitions per minute may be more realistic. As wide or narrow arange of repetitions as desired can be provided. The output signal ofthe repetition rate selector 12 is input to the programmedmicroprocessor 14. The function of the repetition rate selector 12 inthe operation of the microprocessor 14 is described below in conjunctionwith the flowchart illustrated in FIG. 2.

[0055] The desired number of repetitions per set (hereinafter referredto as the “repetition number”) and the desired enunciation pattern areselected by setting a repetition number control switch 15 and anenunciation pattern control switch 16, each of which may be amulti-position switch with each pole position corresponding to a desiredrepetition number and enunciation pattern, respectively. In thepreferred embodiment of the invention presently being described, thereare four distinct repetition numbers and four distinct enunciationpatterns which may be chosen by positioning of repetition number controlswitch 15 and enunciation pattern control switch 16. As described ingreater detail below, the selected repetition rate, repetition numberand enunciation pattern are used by the programmed microprocessor 14 todetermine the location of a particular address table stored in themicroprocessor memory for addressing particular voice data in a speechsynthesizer 18. A plurality of separate sets of voice data are stored inthe memory of the speech synthesizer 18 and the particular set of voicedata chosen for synthesis is determined in accordance with the values ofthe repetition rate, the repetition number and the enunciation pattern.Thus, the actual human voice pattern which is enunciated for eachrepetition is set in accordance with the repetition rate, repetitionnumber and enunciation pattern.

[0056] The reason a plurality of different sets of voice data addresstables are preferably used is to enable the device to generate anaturally-sounding voice which varies depending upon the rate at whichthe exercise repetitions must be counted. The particular address tableselected also depends upon the selected enunciation pattern, asdescribed below, since the particular address locations of the tabledetermine which repetitions will be verbally counted, which repetitionswill not be verbally counted, which repetitions will be indicated bynon-verbal audible indicia such as by a beep, and which count values orother words will be emphasized. The particular address table that isselected also depends upon the selected repetition number since theparticular address locations also determine how high the count willproceed until the address is reset (i.e., when the end of a set isreached).

[0057] This is illustrated as follows. If the enunciation patterncontrol switch 16 is set such that a verbal count is not generated foreach successive repetition and is only generated for every otherrepetition, the enunciation of each verbal count number can be slowerthan if a verbal count is required for each successive exerciserepetition. This is particularly noticeable in the case of a relativelyhigh repetition rate. If a verbal count of each repetition were selectedfor a high repetition rate, the generated speech would generally need toissued at a fast pitch. If a verbal count were generated for onlycertain repetitions for an exercise performed at the same rate, thegenerated speech could be much slower. The use of different addresstables for different settings of the repetition rate selector 12,repetition number control switch 15 and enunciation pattern controlswitch 16 enables the device to produce a naturally sounding voice forall available settings of repetition rate, repetition number andenunciation pattern.

[0058] For instance, where only 20 repetitions per minute are to beperformed, one verbal count may be generated every three seconds if theenunciation pattern is set so as to count each repetition. Where 100repetitions per minute are to be performed, a separate verbal count maybe required in intervals of less than one second depending, again, uponthe selected enunciation pattern. In the latter case, successive verbalcounts will be issued on a much faster rate than in the former case.Therefore, the individual verbal counts should be enunciated faster thanin the former case. In the former case, or in the case where theenunciation pattern control switch 16 is set to issue a verbal countonly for each five or ten repetitions, for example, a greater amount oftime is permitted for each verbal count. In such a case, the individualverbal counts can be enunciated slower. Thus, depending upon theselected repetition rate, repetition number and enunciation pattern,different address tables are used to ensure the generation of anaturally-sounding human voice. As will be appreciated by those ofordinary skill in the art, it is not necessary to provide differentaddress tables corresponding to distinct blocks of sound data. Instead,individual voice count numbers can be generated in the same mannerregardless of the repetition rate, repetition number and enunciationpattern. The microprocessor can also be programmed to determine anappropriate enunciation pattern depending upon the selected values ofthe repetition rate and the repetition number. Alternatively, ratherthan providing means for inputting an exercise rate, the microprocessor18 can be programmed to monitor the actual exercise rate and determinewhether an individual voice count number can be generated depending uponthe speed at which the user is performing successive exerciserepetitions. As can readily appreciated, there are a countless number ofways the exercise monitor 10 of the present invention can be configuredto generate a voice to count successive repetitions of an exercise beingperformed by a user, and the present invention is not limited to thecounting of successive repetitions in any particular manner. Asdescribed above, the enunciation of individual count numbers can beconstant, or can vary depending on pre-selected values such asrepetition rate, repetition number and/or enunciation pattern, or, basedon the actual rate at which a user is performing an exercise.

[0059] The foregoing considerations are illustrated in the context ofrepetition counting, but apply equally to the verbal representation ofany other monitored function of an activity (such as an exercise),including but not limited to time, distance, speed, number of laps,pulse rate, calories expended, breathing pattern, and the like. In thecase of functions other than repetitions, however, it may be preferablefor the exercise monitor to issue verbal representations of themonitored function on a less frequent basis. For example, it is notgenerally desirable to provide a verbal count of every step a user takeswhile walking, jogging or running. Nor is it generally desirable for theuser's pulse to be announced once every heartbeat or every few seconds.For certain monitored functions, it may be preferable to issue a verbalcount only at selected intervals, (e.g., each 10 seconds, each 30seconds, each ¼ mile, etc.). Alternatively or additionally, the exercisemonitor can be provided with a switch connected to the microprocessor 18which is effective to generate a verbal count only when selected by theuser. It is also possible to provide a verbal count only when an alarmand/or other verbal information is to be issued, such as when a user'spulse rises too high or the user has completed an exercise routine andthe user's performance is given thereafter. The means for providing suchfunctions are readily available in the art.

[0060] Accordingly, while the embodiment presently being describedincludes means for monitoring successive exercise repetitions andutilizes a set of selectors for entering pre-determined values forexercise rate, repetitions per set (repetition number) and enunciationpattern, one or more of these selectors may not be necessary or desired.Where the monitored function is pulse rate, for example, the concept ofrepetitions per set is not relevant. If a verbal representation isgenerated only at pre-programmed time intervals, the repetition rate andenunciation pattern would be irrelevant. As noted above, one or more ofthe selectors can also be eliminated to simplify the design.

[0061] As described below, the embodiment presently being describedcounts the actual exercise repetitions being performed by a user, anddoes not automatically generate successive counts, such as a metronome(although such can be done in an alternative embodiment). Thepre-selected repetition rate set using the repetition rate selector 12is used by the programmed microprocessor 14 for determining a particulartable of addresses so that the enunciation of individual count numberscan be varied depending on the speed at which the exercise is beingperformed. Thus, while the value specified by the repetition rateselector 12 affects the speed at which individual count numbers aregenerated, it does not affect the rate at which the exercise monitor 10generates successive verbal count numbers. However, the pre-setrepetition rate value is also useful as an indicator to the device as towhen a successive repetition should be expected. Thus, if the user hasset the repetition rate selector 12 for 20 repetitions per minute, themicroprocessor 14 can be programmed in a known manner to determinewhether the user is performing repetitions at this rate. This can beaccomplished by causing the microprocessor to poll the input port atwhich the mechanical switch 22 is connected to monitor the intervalbetween successive repetitions, and to keep a record of successiveintervals, if desired. The exercise monitor 10 can generate verbalindica in the manner described below to inform the user that he or sheis performing the exercise too fast or too slow depending upon thepre-selected repetition rate value. In that event, the microprocessor 14can use sound data stored in a memory to generate a verbal phrase toinstruct the user to slow down or speed up, for instance, depending uponthe monitored results. Sound data can be stored for use in generatingone or even a plurality of different phrases to be issued at selectedtimes in a desired manner, such as sequentially, depending upon theuser's performance of the exercise.

[0062] As used herein, the term “enunciation pattern” refers to thedesired voice pattern of the repetition counter. For instance, the usermay desire for the device to issue a verbal count for each individualexercise repetition performed by the user. In cases where there are alarge number of repetitions per set, for instance, the user may preferthe verbal count to be spaced out such as by being generated only foreach two, three, five or ten repetitions. Alternatively, the user maydesire a verbal count only upon the completion of each exercise set (thenumber of repetitions of each set being set using the repetition numbercontrol switch 16). In addition, the user may prefer that an audiblesound other than a human voice (e.g., a beep) is generated for each oneor more exercise repetitions. The combination of a human voice and otheraudible sound is also possible, such as by generating a human voice forevery five or ten repetitions and generating a beep or other non-verbalsounds for each repetition therebetween. In accordance with the presentinvention, the verbal count numbers can be generated and combined withother audible sounds in countless ways, all of which are well within thecapabilities of one of ordinary skill in the art and within the scope ofthe present invention.

[0063] As will also be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in theart, there are a virtually unlimited number of possible enunciationpatterns which may be made available. The preferred enunciation patternsdiscussed above are illustrative only and many different patterns may beused. For example, the enunciation pattern control switch 16 may beprovided with settings indicating selectable enunciation patterns of“1”, “½”, “¼”, or “SET”. In this case, the setting “1” means that averbal count is generated for each exercise repetition. The setting “½”means that a verbal count is generated only halfway through each set.Similarly, the setting “¼” means that a verbal count is generated ateach of the four quarters of a given exercise set. When the enunciationpattern control switch 16 is placed in the “SET” position, a verbalcount is generated only when each successive set of exercise repetitionsis completed by the user.

[0064] As will be further appreciated by those of ordinary skill in theart, the use of a different address table for each combination ofrepetition rate, repetition number and enunciation pattern is exemplaryonly, and a different address table may not actually be needed for eachdifferent combination in order to ensure the generation of anaturally-sounding human voice. For example, the address tables caninstead be dependent only upon the different combination of repetitionnumber and enunciation pattern. This would be preferable when apotentiometer control and a monostable multivibrator are used as therepetition rate selector. As discussed later, in that case, the timebase of the verbal count numbers can be changed depending upon thefrequency of pulses output by the multivibrator so that the numbers areactually pronounced faster or slower depending upon the repetition rateset by the user. On the other hand, the microprocessor 14 can beprogrammed to monitor for the end of a set and the address tables can beselected based solely upon the enunciation pattern set by the user. Thismethod of operation would be utilized, for example, when the exercisemonitor does not include a selector for the setting of one or more ofthe repetition rate, repetition number and enunciation pattern. Evenwhen one or more of the selectors is provided, the address tables can beeliminated entirely by appropriate programming of the microprocessor 14to detect, on a step-by-step basis, whether a verbal count number orother audible indicia must be generated for a given repetition, inaccordance with a set or pre-programmed enunciation pattern, and bysimilarly determining whether the end of a set has been reached. Themicroprocessor program may also include instructions to determine when averbal count number is to be generated based upon the number ofrepetitions per set selected by the repetition number control switch 15.These and other similar variations are considered trivial modificationsachievable by the user with simple microprocessor programmingtechniques, and are within the scope of the present invention.

[0065] The microprocessor or microcontroller 14 preferably has aninternal memory in the form of an electrically eraseable programmableread-only memory (“EEPROM”) that is used to store an internal programand program data including the above-described plurality of addresstables for identifying the addresses of the sequence of words storedwithin the dictionary of words of the speech synthesizer 18 which are tobe used to synthesize the human voice pattern for each of the possiblecombinations of repetition rate, repetition number and enunciationpattern selected by the repetition rate selector 12, repetition numbercontrol switch 15 and enunciation pattern control switch 16. Theinternal memory may further comprise a random access memory (“RAM”), ifnecessary, for the temporary storage of data. As noted above, a recordof successive intervals between successive repetitions may be used todetermine whether the user is performing the exercise too fast or tooslow depending upon the value of the repetition rate set using therepetition rate selector 12. This information could be temporarilystored in RAM. Also, in the case where a verbal representation of avariable such as pulse rate, calories expended, or the like, isdetermined based upon a calculation, the RAM may be used for temporarystorage of data used for performing the calculation. The informationcontent which is stored in the table in the EEPROM is described below.

[0066] The speech synthesizer 18 may be a group of integrated circuitswhich are commercially available and which have either a standarddictionary of words or a special purpose dictionary of words, and mayalso be a specially ordered or application-specific integrated circuitdesigned to synthesize speech patterns from a specially programmeddictionary. Alternatively, the speech synthesizer 18 may be a singlechip device such as one of the ISD2500 Series single-chip voicerecord/playback devices produced by Information Storage Devices, Inc.These commercially available single chip voice record/playback devicesinclude an on-board memory for storage of speech samples, and have 60sec., 75 sec. and 90 sec. durations. The speech samples are stored inthe chip using programming equipment made available by the manufacturer.As will be clear to those of ordinary skill in the art, the speechsynthesizer 18 utilized in the invention may also be of the type that isprovided with an internal microcontroller in a single chip construction,such chips being available from Texas Instruments, for example, andbriefly described in connection with the embodiments illustrated inFIGS. 4-9. As will be readily appreciated by those of ordinary skill inthe art, the speech synthesizer may comprise any means capable ofgenerating or playing back pre-recorded or pre-stored speech.

[0067] In the FIG. 1 embodiment, the programmed microprocessor 14controls the synthesis of each word from the speech synthesizer 18 byproducing an output on an address bus 20 of the starting address of theword in the dictionary of the speech synthesizer 18. As will beappreciated, the particular manner in which the microprocessor controlsthe speech generator depends upon the manner of operation of the speechgenerator, since different commercially-available speech generators arecontrolled in different ways.

[0068] An exercise motion detector 22, such as a mechanical switch,provides an output signal which is input to the microprocessor 14. Inorder for the exercise monitor to perform as a repetition counter, it isnecessary for the microprocessor 14 to detect the successive exerciserepetitions being performed by the user. In the embodiment presentlybeing described, this is accomplished by the use of the exercise motiondetector 22. Upon each successive repetition, the exercise motiondetector 22 outputs a signal to the microprocessor 14 to indicate theoccurrence of an exercise repetition. The synthesis of each count by thespeech synthesizer 18 is initiated only after the microprocessor detectsa signal from the exercise motion detector 22. The microprocessor 14 mayalso be programmed using a known clock routine to monitor the timeduration between successively performed repetitions, and, by comparingthis duration with the repetition rate selected on repetition rateselector 12, determine whether the user is proceeding too slowly orquickly. In such cases, alarm indicia such as a beep or verbal warningmay be issued. For example, if the exercise is being performed tooslowly, the device could be programmed to synthesize the words “pick upthe pace”, “you're slowing down,” “you're getting weaker,” “faster”, andthe like. For monitored functions other than the counting of successiverepetitions, similar commands can be issued, the particular commandsused being applicable to the exercises with which the monitor is used.Thus, for instance, when heart rate is being monitored, the user can bemotivated to maintain his or her pulse within a target pulse range for apredetermined period of time. Similarly, a dangerous condition can beavoided by alerting the user if his or her pulse rate reaches too highor low a level.

[0069] The microprocessor 14 also functions to produce a high levelpulse on line 24 to boost the gain on an audio amplifier 26 to providehigher volume emphasis on selected words within the synthesized speechpatterns produced by the speech synthesizer 18. The synthesized speechpattern is produced on output line 28 which is coupled to the audioamplifier 26. The audio amplifier 26 has a first amplification stage 30which has an output coupled to a potentiometric volume control 32. Awiper 40 of the potentiometric volume control 32 is coupled to the inputof a second amplification stage 42. The gain of the second amplificationstage may be varied by the selective coupling of a feedback loop 46 tothe input by the closure of a switch 48 upon the application of a highlevel signal on line 24 to a control terminal 50.

[0070] Certain enunciated repetition patterns may be comprised of asequence of enunciated numbers which are individually separated by aselected motivational word or motivational words such as “squeeze”,“exhale” , “concentrate”, “almost done”, “looking good”, “toning up”,and the like. These phrases are, of course, merely illustrative andother phrases which may be longer or shorter may be deemed preferabledepending upon the particular exercise. In the case of walking orrunning exercises, the phrase “squeeze” would have little or no value,whereas other phrases having particular meaning in the context ofrunning would be more meaningful. Such motivational voice patterns maybe enunciated at the frequency of the selected repetition rate. Ratherthan being inserted between enunciated count numbers in a sequentialrepetition count, these or other motivational voice patterns may be usedto replace one or more count numbers, in which case the repetitionnumbers which are not verbally enunciated will have to be accounted forby the microprocessor 14 such that when the verbal count is againcommenced, it begins with the correct number. Similar means are requiredin the case of a monitored function other than repetitions. Whether ornot such a voice pattern may be inserted between enunciated countnumbers in the sequential count or need to be added to replace one ormore numbers depends on the length of the particular motivational wordor phrase, the selected (and actual) repetition rate, and theenunciation pattern set by the user via the repetition rate selector 12and enunciation pattern control switch 16. For example, while it may bepossible to insert the word “exhale” between consecutively countedrepetitions, it may not be possible to insert the phrase “no pain, nogain”. As will readily be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in theart, since the time duration between successively enunciated repetitionsdecreases as the rate of the exercise increases, the microprocessorprogram will need to determine the amount of time needed for insertionof such motivational words. In the case of monitored exercises functionssuch as distance, time, speed, pulse rate, and the like, a verbalrepresentation of the monitored function is not usually generated asoften as in the case of monitoring exercise repetitions, and it is notordinarily necessary to generate verbal prompts in place of successivevoice counts.

[0071] The EEPROM of the microprocessor 14 includes a table of groups ofaddresses in which the number of groups are equal to the number ofcombinations of repetition rates, repetition numbers and enunciationpatterns which may be selected. Each group of addresses comprises anumber of addresses within the dictionary of the speech synthesizer 18which are equal to the total number of enunciated words and soundswithin a set of the selected combination of repetition rate, repetitionnumber and enunciation pattern. One or more additional dummy addressesmay be included to complete each table to indicate, for example, thatthe end of a set has been reached or that either no speech is to begenerated for a given count value or that an audible sound other thanhuman speech is to be generated. An example of a table of addressesstored in the microprocessor 14 EEPROM for a set having 50 repetitionsin which each individual repetition is to be verbally counted is setforth below in Table I. TABLE I TABLE OF ADDRESSES FOR SET HAVING 50REPETITIONS AND FULL ENUNCIATION Relative Enunciated Speech TableAddress One  1 Two  2 Three  3 . . . . . . Ten 10 Eleven 11 Twelve 12Thirteen 13 . . . . . . Twenty 20 Twenty One 20, then 1 Twenty Two 20,then 2 Twenty Three 20, then 3 . . . . . . Thirty 21 Thirty One 21, then1 . . . . . . Forty 22 . . . . . . Fifty 23

[0072] As noted above, it may also be desired to emphasize certain wordsor portions of words. For example, it is often desirable to emphasizethe last one or last few count numbers in each set of repetitions whenrepetitions are being counted. In the case of other monitored exercisefunctions, the attainment of a target range or other meaningful valuemay be emphasized. It may also be desired to emphasize some or allalarms and/or motivational words or phrases that may consist of or beinserted in the enunciation pattern. For this purpose, themicroprocessor 14 may detect, on the basis of a program, count numbersor words which are to receive audio emphasis. As will be appreciated bythose of ordinary skill in the art, this may be accomplished in variousmanners, all of which are within the scope of the present invention. Theencoding of such words may be accomplished by the programming of alogical “one” in an unused bit position within the address bit positionswhich are available for communicating between the programmedmicroprocessor 14 and the speech synthesizer 18. For example, thedetection of a logical “one” in the unused bit position of an address inthe table of addresses may be used in the microprocessor program tosignal when to produce one of the series of pulses on line 24 whichboosts the gain of the audio amplifier 26. The end of a set within eachexercise routine is signaled by the detection of the count number whichappears at the end of each set. In Table I, which shows addresses for aset of 50 repetitions, the 23rd address position performs this result.The enunciation of a word within a set of any selected combination ofrepetition rate, repetition number and enunciation pattern is initiatedby the microprocessor control program by sequentially outputting theaddresses of each word from the microprocessor 14 on the address bus 20to the speech synthesizer 18 followed by the outputting of a pulse online 22 which starts the actual synthesis of the word.

[0073] As described above, different address tables are used to accessdifferent stored sound data according to various combinations ofrepetition rate, repetition number and enunciation pattern. While theuse of separately stored data accessed by different address tablesdependent upon the repetition rate, repetition number and enunciationpattern is one method of achieving a variation in speech patterns, theinvention is not so limited. Rather than using different address tablesdepending upon the repetition rate, the exercise monitor may be designedto count repetitions at a single time base, eliminating selected countvalues, if necessary, due to timing considerations. Instead, the devicemay be configured in order to speed up the enunciation of each wordwithin a set by using a repetition rate selector having thepotentiometric control and multivibrator as described above. In thatcase, the speed at which the speech is generated may be increased as therepetition rate is increased for a given combination of repetitionnumber and enunciation pattern. The speed at which the speech isgenerated can also be varied automatically by the microprocessor basedupon detection by the microprocessor of the actual exercise rate.

[0074] The simplest form of speech synthesis which is used with theexercise monitor of the present invention has a constant time base forenunciating each particular word independent of the repetition rate.This method is preferable in the case of monitored exercise functionswhich do not require a frequent voice output, such as pulse rate,distance, speed, and the like. This form of speech synthesis has adisadvantage in the case of monitored functions that necessitate afrequent voice output in that fast repetition rates do not sound naturalbecause the duration of each enunciated word sounds too long for arelatively fast repetition rate. When only one time base duration isused, the upper limit of the rate is reached when the successive wordsto be enunciated within a set do not have sufficient separation toprevent the words from running together. To produce a voice synthesiswhich sounds natural for widely varying repetition rates, the use of amultivibrator and potentiometric control for the repetition rateselector permits the use of different time bases for enunciating wordswhich vary with the chosen repetition rate. Instead of one table ofaddresses for each set, such as that set forth in Table I above, two ormore tables of addresses may be used, the first table being assigned tothe enunciation of words at the slowest range of exercise rates, andeach additional table being used to decrease the enunciation time of thewords within the set. The number of tables to be used in the voicesynthesis of each set of a given combination of a repetition number andenunciation pattern is purely a matter of choice. For example, whenmultiple address tables are used, it may be desirable for a given wordwithin a set to be enunciated with half the time base for the highestrange of exercise rates rather than the time base used to enunciate thesame word at the slowest range of exercise rates.

[0075] As will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art, theexercise monitor can be simplified in design by eliminating the abilityfor the user to define the enunciation rate and by determining theenunciation rate based solely upon a user-defined repetition rate or arepetition rate calculated by the microprocessor based upon the actualexercise repetition rate. As will be further appreciated, theenunciation pattern becomes less problematic when exercise functionsother than repetition rate are monitored since a voice count need notgenerally be provided on such a frequent basis so that the problem ofoverlapping voice counts is not encountered. Additionally, where a voicecount is not generated (or is generated only at selected intervals), orwhen only motivational phrases are generated, this problem is notencountered.

[0076]FIG. 2 illustrates a flowchart of a computer program used by themicroprocessor 14 for controlling the voice synthesis of any one of aplurality of combinations of repetition numbers and enunciation patternsat a selected exercise repetition rate. The program starts at point 100where the power is turned on and all circuits are reset. The programnext proceeds to step 102 where the microprocessor, input/output lines,program variables and constants are initialized. The program nextproceeds to step 104 where the selected combination of repetition numberand enunciation pattern is read from the repetition number controlswitch 15 and enunciation pattern control switch 16 which have beenpositioned by the user. The preferred choices of repetition number andenunciation pattern have been described above, but it should be clearlyunderstood that the invention is applicable to any desired group ofrepetition number and enunciation patterns at any selected exerciserepetition rate. The program next proceeds to step 106 where theselected combination of repetition number and enunciation pattern isused to identify the group of addresses within the EEPROM of themicroprocessor 14 which are to be used to synthesize the voice patternof an exercise set, based upon the selected repetition rate and inaccordance with the selected combination of the repetition number andenunciation pattern.

[0077] The table of addresses discussed above would be used in the casewhere 50 repetitions per set is selected and a verbal count for eachrepetition is to be enunciated. It should be clearly understood that agroup of addresses for each combination of repetition number andenunciation pattern is read from the EEPROM of the microprocessor 14 forsynthesizing that particular combination of repetition number andenunciation pattern. Moreover, when the time base is dependent upon theexercise rate, each selected combination of repetition number andenunciation pattern will have as many tables associated with it as thereare time bases.

[0078] The program next proceeds to step 108 where the monostablemultivibrator within the exercise rate selector 12 is triggered and thetime interval during which the monostable multivibrator is in its highstate is begun. When a repetition signal is detected due to closure ofthe mechanical switch 22, the program then proceeds to step 110 wherethe number of the word within a set which is next to be synthesized isobtained by reading the count of an internal counter within themicroprocessor 14. In the case of each combination of exercise rate,repetition number and enunciation pattern, the first word is assignedthe count of one and each successive word within a set is assigned asuccessive number until the set is completed. The count functions as themechanism for choosing the address within the group of addresses usedfor synthesizing the next word within a set of the selected combinationof repetition rate, repetition number and enunciation pattern to besynthesized by the voice synthesizer 18. The program next proceeds todecision point 112 where a determination is made if the audio gain ofthe audio amplifier 26 is to be increased for the enunciation of thatword by closing the switch 48. As described above, the determination ismade by checking an unused address bit to determine if it has been sethigh. If the next word to be synthesized is not to be emphasized, theprogram proceeds to block 116 where the switch 48 is reset to insurethat the audio gain of the audio amplifier 26 will not emphasize thenext word. The program then proceeds to step 118 where the address ofthe next word to be voice synthesized, which has been obtained from theaddress table, is output on the bus 20 of the microprocessor 14 to thevoice synthesizer 18. The program then proceeds to step 120 where anoutput signal is placed on line 20 of the microprocessor for the purposeof instructing the speech synthesizer 18 to start the voice synthesis ofthe desired word.

[0079] Subsequently, the program proceeds to decision point 122 wherethe program loops until one word at the chosen rate is completed. Thecompletion of one word is signaled by the repetition rate selector 12changing from its high state to a low state. As described above, theduration of the high state of the monostable multivibrator within therepetition rate selector 12 is a function of the RC time constant whichis determined by the adjustment of the repetition rate selector 12. Theprogram next proceeds to decision point 124 where a determination ismade as to whether the end of a set has been reached. In the case of therepetition number illustrated in Table I above, the 23rd addressposition within the table signals that the end of a set has beenreached. If the answer is yes, the program proceeds to step 126 wherethe internal counter, which is read at step 110 to obtain the address ofthe next word to be voice synthesized within the group of addresses forthe selected combination of repetition rate, repetition number andenunciation pattern is set to 1 to prepare the voice synthesizer 18 torepeat the enunciation of the set. The program proceeds to decisionpoint 128 where a determination is made as to whether a stop command hasbeen issued.

[0080] A stop command may be signaled by turning off the power or thepushing of a stop command control (not shown) which may be provided onthe front panel of the housing which contains the exercise monitor. If astop command has been generated, the program enters a stop phase at step130. If the answer is no, the program proceeds to decision point 132where a determination is made as to whether the same repetition rate,repetition number and enunciation pattern are still being specified bythe repetition rate selector 12, repetition number control switch 15 andenunciation pattern control switch 16. If there is no change in therepetition rate, repetition number and enunciation pattern, the programloops back to step 108 where a new time interval is begun by theexercise rate selection control 112. If there has been a change in therepetition number and enunciation control 16, the program loops to step106 to obtain the table of a newly selected repetition rate, repetitionnumber and enunciation pattern. If the end of a set has not beendetected at decision point 124, the program proceeds to decision point132 which functions in the manner described above. The program willcontinue to produce synthesized speech at the selected exercise rateuntil manually stopped by turning off the power or pushing a stopbutton. Any adjustment in the selected exercise rate is immediatelypicked up at block 108 where the time interval is changed by theadjustment of the repetition rate selector 12.

[0081] It should be clearly understood that the combination ofrepetition rate, repetition number and enunciation pattern which havebeen specifically set forth above is only representative of thepotential combinations of repetition rates, repetition numbers andenunciation patterns which may be voice synthesized by the invention.Countless other values and combinations may be used. The invention mayalso be used for maintaining a desired exercise rate in exerciseclasses.

[0082] The invention has been described in terms of its preferredembodiment. However, it should be clearly understood that numerousmodifications may be made thereto without departing from the scope ofthe invention as defined by the appended claims.

[0083]FIG. 3 illustrates a second embodiment of the electronic exercisemonitor of the present invention. In this embodiment, the microprocessorand speech synthesizer, which are shown separately in FIG. 1, arecombined in a single microcontroller/speech synthesizer chip 100. Whilethe device is provided with a repetition number control DIP switch 102,no selectors are provided for the setting of a repetition rate orenunciation pattern. These values are instead determined by amicroprocessor control program stored in the single chipmicrocontroller/speech synthesizer 100. In addition, amplification ofthe synthesized speech or audible indicia is performed internally, andis also set by the microprocessor program in a known manner.

[0084] More detailed embodiments are shown in the schematic diagrams ofFIGS. 4-9. In each of the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 4-9, a singlechip microcontroller/speech generator 100 produced by Texas Instruments(model 50C11) is used. This device permits the simple storage of speechand is programmable by means well known to those of ordinary skill inthe art to provide the functions described herein. In FIGS. 4-9,elements having the same structure are denoted by the same referencenumeral.

[0085]FIG. 4 is a detailed schematic diagram of an electronic exercisemonitor and repetition counter having a structure similar to that shownin block diagram form in FIG. 3. Circuit block 160 is an audio amplifiercircuit and audio speaker for producing synthesized speech correspondingto a repetition count and motivational phrases. Circuit block 162 is anoscillator circuit for driving the microcontroller/speech synthesizer100. Circuit block 164 is a reset switch circuit which initializes themicrocontroller/speech synthesizer 100. Circuit block 166 is a switchcircuit for controlling the exercise monitor. Resistors R3, R4 and R5are pullup resistors which apply a positive voltage to themicrocontroller/speech synthesizer 100. Pressing a respective switch“pulls” the voltage applied to a respective input terminal of themicrocontroller/speech synthesizer 100 to +5V. Themicrocontroller/speech synthesizer 100 detects this and respondsaccordingly based upon the microprocessor control program stored in themicrocontroller/speech synthesizer 100.

[0086] As illustrated in circuit block 166 of FIG. 4, the device isprovided with a plurality of input “keys”, including a “program” key, an“enter” key, a “lever” key, an “up” key, a “down” key and a “mute” key.With the exception of “lever”, these keys comprise pushbuttons on theexternal housing of the device. The “lever” key denotes a mechanicalswitch similar to the switch discussed in connection with the firstembodiment of FIG. 1. As described above, the mechanical switchundergoes a temporary closure for each successive exercise repetition,which is detected by the microcontroller/speech synthesizer 100 tomonitor the user's successive exercise repetitions.

[0087] The microcontroller/speech synthesizer 100 is programmed by knownmeans to respond to the “program” key by entering a program mode. In theprogram mode, the number of repetitions (repetition number) can bechanged from a default value by operation of the “up” and “down” keysand subsequent pressing of the “enter” key to select a desired value.Thus, for instance, a default value associated with repetition numbercan be pre-stored in the microcontroller/speech generator. By depressingthe “program” key, followed by the “up” or “down” key, the defaultrepetition number can be changed. Preferably, the microcontroller/speechsynthesizer 100 issues a verbal representation of the default value whenthe “program” key is pressed, and issues a verbal representation eachtime the repetition number is changed by pressing the “up” or “down”key.

[0088] The microcontroller/speech synthesizer 100 is programmed torespond to the “lever” key to increment the repetition count and toissue a verbal representation of the repetition count for selectedvalues which are pre-programmed in the microcontroller/speechsynthesizer. As described above, by issuing a verbal representation of arepetition count at selected time intervals, the problem of one countnumber overlapping a subsequent count number is avoided.

[0089] In addition, a “mute” key is provided to toggle on/off the verbaloutput. The microcontroller/speech synthesizer 100 is programmed torespond to the “mute” key to deactivate the verbal output of repetitionnumbers or motivational phrases. Thus, for example, the device can beoperated so as to provide either a verbal count of selected repetitionsby itself, or a count plus motivational phrases which are issueddepending upon the monitored count value, or both a verbal count andmotivational phrases.

[0090] Circuit block 166 comprises four series-connected batteries forproviding power to the unit. Circuit block 170 is a circuit forilluminating a light emitting diode when the power is turned on viareset switch S1. In order to light the diode, the microcontroller/speechgenerator 100 pulls its connected pin to zero volts. Current flows fromVcc through resistor R6 and diode D5, causing it to emit light.

[0091] As will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art, thedevice illustrated in FIG. 4 is somewhat simplified in design ascompared to that illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2(a) and 2(b) since there areno separate means for entering an enunciation pattern and a repetitionrate. Accordingly, the device is programmed to issue a verbal outputhaving a single time base and to generate a voice count for onlyselected repetitions. There is thus no need in this embodiment forproviding separate address tables and separate sets of data for eachtime base. In an alternative embodiment, additional keys can be addedand the microprocessor control program can be modified to respond tothose keys to provide variable selection means for the enunciationpattern and repetition rate. In such case, a series of LEDs or anaudible output can be added to the device to simulate a desired pacebased upon the selected repetition rate.

[0092]FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of an exercise monitor similar tothat shown in FIG. 4. In this embodiment, however, the “lever” key isreplaced by four independent input channels CH1-CH4 so that fourdifferent functions can be monitored by the use of a mechanical switchof the type described above. Circuit block 172 denotes a switch circuithaving key inputs for selecting each of channels CH1-CH4, along with the“program”, “enter”, “up” and “down” keys described above. Light emittingdiodes D1-D4 are provided to indicate a selected channel. In thisembodiment, four different exercise detectors may be connected to thedevice through each of channels CH1-CH4. A channel is selected bydepressing one of the channel keys CH1-CH4. The microcontroller/speechsynthesizer 100 is programmed to monitor the selected channel and toprovide verbal output in the manner described above. Thus, when arespective channel is selected and a mechanical switch is connectedthereto, the device can function as a repetition counter as describedabove.

[0093] As will be readily appreciated, the microprocessor controlprogram can be modified to recognize various types of inputs. Thus,channels CH1-CH4 need not be limited to receiving inputs from amechanical switch. Other types of exercise detectors may be used tomonitor other types of functions. Thus, a conventional pulse monitoroutput can be used as one input channel, while other input channels canbe connected to detectors for monitoring distance, speed, and the like,by modifying the microprocessor control program to detect the outputs ofsuch conventional detectors and to calculate a corresponding value(e.g., pulse rate, calories expended, distance, speed, and the like)using conventional programming techniques well known to those ofordinary skill in the art.

[0094]FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment connectable to atreadmill or exercise bicycle for monitoring the distance traveled, theuser's pulse rate and calories expended. As is well known to those ofordinary skill in the art, distance is easily calculated based upon aninput signal output from a conventional detection means connectable tostationary bicycle or treadmill. Calories expended during an exerciseroutine may also be easily calculated using well known equations relyingupon pulse and demographic data (such as age and weight).

[0095] Circuit block 174 is a switch circuit having input keys including“distance”, “time”, “start”, “age”, “level”, “weight”, “belt”, “up”,“down”, “pulse” and “mute”. The “mute”, “up” and “down” keys function inthe manner described above. To operate the device, the user selects adistance he or she wishes to walk (or run) on a treadmill or pedal on astationary bicycle by operating the “distance” key. The “up” and “down”keys are used to vary the distance from a default value in the mannerdescribed above. Thus, for instance, when the “distance” key isoperated, the microprocessor control program causes the device toproduce a verbal representation of a default distance value, which isvaried by use of the “up” and “down” keys, with each deviation resultingin a verbal representation. Similarly, a desired exercise “time” can beselected by operating the “time” key along with the “up” and “down”keys. The user enters his or her age and weight using the “age” and“weight” keys. The “belt” key is an input attached to a conventionalwheel encoder which engages the belt of a treadmill and outputs a signalindicating movement of the belt. This signal is detected by themicrocontroller/speech synthesizer 100 and the distance traveled isdetermined therefrom. The user presses the “start” key to start themonitoring process.

[0096] Circuit block 176 is a pulse monitor comprising a combination ofa photoemitter D10 and a photodetector Q7 for detecting the user'spulse. Circuit block 178 is an operational amplifier circuit thatamplifies the signal output by the photodetector Q7 using a unity gainbuffer and a voltage amplifier with a gain of 100. The original inputvoltage controls discharge time of the capacitor C8. The output of thecapacitor C8 is input to the microcontroller/speech generator 100 andthe microprocessor control program measures the discharge time of thecapacitor C8 and, based upon this time, calculates the user's pulse. Aswill be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art, there aremany different methods used to calculate pulse and any known method isconsidered within the scope of the invention.

[0097]FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment having fourchannels CH1-CH4, as in the FIG. 5 embodiment, and also provided with anelectronic pulse monitor and calorie counter. The microcontroller/speechgenerator 100 is programmed to count calories expended during anexercise depending upon the user's age and weight. A determination ofcalories expended may also be based upon exercise factors relevant tothe monitored exercise.

[0098]FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment in which theelectronic exercise monitor functions as a pedometer. An output of aconventional pedometer device is connected to the “pedo” key of circuitblock 180. The microprocessor control program detects this signal andcalculates a distance based upon the value of the user's “stride” asselected by the user. This embodiment also includes a pulse sensor andoptional calorie as described above. Circuit block 182 is an audioamplifier circuit which differs from circuit block 160 of FIGS. 4-7 inthat headphones having a pair of speakers LS1 and LS2 replace the singlespeaker of the previous embodiments. In addition, a relay 184 controlledby the microcontroller/speech synthesizer 100 is used to switch betweenthe audio output of the exercise monitor and a radio module 186 undercontrol of the microprocessor control program. Thus, for example, atpre-stored time intervals when it is determined that a verbal output isto be generated, the microcontroller/speech generator 100 issues anoutput signal on line PA0 to cause the relay 184 to switch theheadphones from an audio output of the radio module 186 to the audiooutput of the exercise monitor so that the user can hear the verbalmessage generated by the exercise monitor, e.g., distance walked, pulserate, calories expended, and the like, any of which can be generated atdesired intervals in the manner described above. In addition, the resetswitch S1 is configured to be operated by the jack of the headphones,such that the device is turned on when the headphone jack is insertedtherein.

[0099] As noted above, the exercise monitor of the present invention maybe used as a stand-alone device for monitoring any type of repetitiveexercise activity, or may be incorporated into a piece of exerciseequipment of the type having a displaceable member adapted to undergoreciprocal or repetitive movement during an exercise routine. In theformer case, for instance, the mechanical switch 22 (exercise motiondetector) must be placed in a position in which closure of the switchwill occur once for each repetition. For example, when the exercise issitups, the switch may be of appropriate design such that when placed onthe floor or on an exercise mat (or mounted within the mat), the switchcontacts become temporarily closed once for each situp. The mechanicalswitch 22 may also be disposed on or in an exercise device such that thecontacts become temporarily closed in a similar manner. For instance, ifthe mechanical switch 22 is disposed in a free weight or bar, the switchmust be of an appropriate design so as to undergo temporary closure onceeach repetition. Of course, the exercise motion detector 22 need not bea mechanical switch, and may constitute any device capable of detectinga desired activity, such as those described above or others within theknowledge of those of ordinary skill in the art.

[0100] An embodiment of an electronic repetition counter according tothe present invention is illustrated in FIGS. 9(a) and 9(b), whichillustrate the exercise monitor 120 of the present invention as mountedto an abdominal exerciser 122. The abdominal exerciser 122 is formed ofa skeletal frame 124, for example, from a single hollow tube of aluminumor other rigid material. The skeletal frame 124 includes a pair ofsupport rails 126, a pair of arcuate rocker portions 128, each of whichextends forwardly from a respective support rail 126, a pair of arm restportions 130, each of which extends from a respective rocker portion128, and an arch-shaped portion 132 which is connected to and betweenthe support rails 126.

[0101] The support rails 126 are laterally spaced from each other torest on a support surface, such as a floor. Each support rail 126extends between a rocker portion 128 and the arch-shaped portion 132and, as illustrated, each support rail 126 includes a straight portion134 which extends from a rocker portion 128, and an arcuate portion 136extending from the straight portion 134.

[0102] The two rocker portions 128 arc parallel to each other but mayalso be directed inwardly towards each other at a small angle toaccommodate the elbows of the person using the abdominal exerciserdevice 122. Each arm rest portion 130 extends from a rocker portion 128and is bent over to form an L-shape. As illustrated, each arm restportion 130 has a curved portion 140 extending from a rocker portion 128and a straight free end portion 142. The curved portion 140 forms aright angle bend. In addition, the free end portion 142 has a removablecushion 144 mounted thereon to receive an elbow or arm of the persondisposed between the support rails 126.

[0103] As shown, a support means 146 is secured to and across thearch-shaped portion 132 for supporting the neck and head of a persondisposed between the support rails 126. The support means 146 includes arigid U-shaped bar 148, for example, of aluminum which is pivotallymounted by suitable means 150 on the straight portions of thearch-shaped portion. In addition, the support means 146 includes apadded head rest 152 which is secured to a horizontal part of theU-shaped bar. The U-shaped bar 148 is freely pivotable relative to thearch-shaped portion so as to be moved from a position as shown in thedrawings in which the bar is vertical and rests on a floor or on othersupport surface.

[0104] When the exercise device 122 is in a position of rest, the usermay perform an exercise which involves resting one's head on the headrest while grasping the arch-shaped portion and resting one's arms andelbows on the arm rest cushions. At this time, the user may raisehis/her legs into a vertical position. The legs may then be loweredwhile being maintained in a parallel relation.

[0105] In order to conduct an exercise program for exercising theabdominal muscles, the following steps are followed:

[0106] First, the user positions himself or herself in a supine positionwithin the skeletal frame of the exercise device while placing his orher neck and head on the head rest of the support means.

[0107] Next, the user rests his or her elbows on the arm rest portions,that is, on the cushions slidably mounted on the arm rest portions. Theuser is now ready to begin a curling exercise. At this time, with theuser's hands gripping the upstanding arch-shaped portion, the userbegins to curl his or her spine forwardly while rocking the frameforwardly on the rocker portions. After reaching a partially flexed orfully flexed position, the user returns to the supine position whilerocking the skeletal frame rearwardly on the rocker portions. Thecurling and uncurling steps are repeated until the exercise program hasbeen completed.

[0108] The mechanical switch 22 of the exercise monitor 120 comes intocontact with the floor each time the user completes a single repetition.The switch 22 provides a pulse output signal each time a repetition isperformed. The pulse is provided as an input to the microprocessor 14shown in FIG. 1, or as an input to the combined microprocessor/speechsynthesizer device 100 illustrated in FIG. 3. Accordingly, when exerciseis performed using the abdominal exerciser, the exercise monitor 120generates a human voice to count the repetitions being performed by theuser in accordance with the repetition rate, repetition number andenunciation pattern set by the user. Motivational words are preferablyinterlaced within the verbal count by the microprocessor program toprovide the user with encouragement and motivation which has notheretofore been available.

[0109] In a like manner, the exercise monitor may be incorporated intomany different types of exercise equipment, such as a barbell, dumbbell,rowing machine, or universal-type equipment such as a chest pressmachine, a rigid arm lat pull-down machine, a shoulder press machine, apectoral fly machine, a seated hamstring machine, a leg extensionmachine, an inner/outer thigh combo machine, or an abdominal crunchmachine. As will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art,depending upon the exercise for which the monitor is used or the type ofequipment in which it is incorporated, the motivational speech patternswill be different, in each case being relevant to the exercise beingperformed.

[0110]FIG. 10 is an illustration of the exercise monitor of the presentinvention as incorporated into a watch case 200. As noted above, theexercise motion detector need not be a mechanical switch, but can be adevice capable of detecting repetitious motion in a given direction,such as an accelerometer, GPS (global positioning satellite) detector,or the like. Thus, by providing the exercise monitor in a watch case,the device is capable of detecting exercises that involve arm movement,such as walking or running, situps, and the like. Similarly, the devicecan be provided in a case capable of being worn on a user's waist, neck,ankle, and the like.

[0111] Additionally, the device may be programmed to issue not onlymotivational speech patterns, but also promotional speech patterns topromote one or more commercial products of a given producer or supplier.In that case, such speech patterns are preferably generated as theindividual commences or completes a particular set of exercises.

[0112] As noted above, one of the functions that may be monitored by theexercise monitor of the present invention is the user's breathingpattern. Thus, for instance, while the user is performing a particularexercise the device can monitor the user's breathing pattern bymonitoring the expansion and contraction of the user's chest.Alternatively, the device can monitor the air flow from the user's noseand/or mouth to determine the user's breathing pattern. The device canbe programmed in the above-described manner to assist the user incontrolling his or her breathing pattern based upon information such asrepetition rate and the like. By comparing the user's breathing patternwith pre-stored or calculated information indicating the correctbreathing pattern, the device can issue verbal alarms or instructions toassist the user.

[0113]FIG. 11 is an illustration of a further embodiment of the presentinvention. FIG. 11 displays a monitor for use with strength trainingequipment such as those types of equipment discussed earlier: barbells,dumbbells, rowing machine, universal-type equipment such as a chestpress machine, a rigid arm lat pull-down machine, a shoulder pressmachine, a pectoral fly machine, a seated hamstring machine, a legextension machine, an inner/outer thigh combo machine, and abdominalcrunch machine, and Nautilus-type equipment or any other type ofresistance training equipment. The monitor may be used with any onepiece of equipment or any combination of more that one pieces. Themonitor acts as a personal trainer for a user by guiding/instructing theuser through a program and motivating and encouraging the user.

[0114] Turning now to FIG. 11, there is shown a portable device 300.Portable device 300 includes a housing 301 and a visual display 302.Inside the device 300 is a processor and a speech synthesizer asdescribed in detail earlier herein. Preferably, the housing 301 is ofthe approximate size of a pager so as to be easily carried and mountedonto a user. Alternatively, the housing 301 may further include a magnetthat allows it to be placed onto a piece of exercise equipment, onto astack of weights, etc.. Port 303 receives a connector 312 that isconnected to a set of earphones 310 by a wire 311. Of course, theearphones 310 could be replaced by headphones, earplugs, or even aspeaker. FIG. 11 also shows a representation of a piece of exerciseequipment 320 having a transmitter 321. An exercise equipment identifierand detector are incorporated into the equipment 320. The exercisedetector information is transmitted to the portable device 300. In thisalternative, the device 300 also contains a receiver for receiving thetransmitted signal from the transmitter 321.

[0115] Variations from the illustrated system range from a stand-aloneunit to a unit that is completely integral in a piece of exerciseequipment, and all iterations in between. Some of the alternativesinclude the following devices. First, the processor and detector may bea stand-alone unit carried by a user and worn by a user. Alternatively,the processor may be contained in a unit worn and carried by a userwhile the detector is integral in the exercise equipment. (This is thealternative illustrated in FIG. 11). In this variation the processorunit includes a receiver, and the detector includes a transmitter. Stillfurther, alternatively, the processor and detector may both be integralin a piece of exercise equipment. The user merely activates theequipment (and verbal messages are delivered by an integral speaker) orinserts the earphones into the equipment. Such an alternativeconstruction might be actuated by individual codes for individual usersor identifier circuitry within an earphone apparatus that would identifythe user upon insertion of the earphones into a port in the equipment.In every alternative, the processor, including the speech synthesizer,would operate effectively as described earlier herein.

[0116] In FIG. 11, the portable device 300 is connected to the earphones310 with a wire 311. Of course, a wireless connection could be madebetween the processor and the detector as well as between the processorand an earphone. This wireless connection could simplify the actual useof the monitor by preventing inconvenient or cumbersome wires fromlimiting a user's movement or becoming entangled in a piece ofequipment.

[0117] Specifically in this embodiment of a personal trainer forstrength training, the detector that may be used can be used to not onlycount repetitions and timing of repetitions, it could also be used toquantify the exercise movements. Particularly in connection with weighttraining, it could quantify the amount lifted or moved. It couldquantify other aspects of the exercise including calories expended, etc.In this weight training alternative, for instance, the detector coulddetect movement of a weight stack. The detector could be a multiple partcomponent where one part is attached to a weight stack by a strap ormagnet and one or more additional parts are attached to fixed spots ofthe path of movement for the weight stack. The system then countsrepititions completed. The more components of the detector, the betterthe precision of detection and better verbal feedback therefrom. In onepreferred embodiment, the detector could be integrated in the exerciseequipment and the pace and movement of a weight stack could be monitoredwith great accuracy and precision.

[0118] The specific speech patterns that would be used in connectionwith the device shown in FIG. 11 may be customized to specific exerciseequipment and combinations of equipment. The spoken voice may be afamous personality or it may be a generic voice. The actual workouts tobe monitored may be preprogrammed, or they may be customizable by auser.

[0119] The speech patterns may provide both motivational andinstructional language. An example might include the following:

[0120] Ok, now lets work our quads on the leg press station. (The userwill press the GO button when they are in position to begin) 1,2,3 . . .you're going to fast, keep the pace steady . . . 4,5,6 . . . remember tobreathe out on each press . . . 7,8 . . . two more, you can do it, thisis where it really counts . . . 9 and 10. You're done—great job! Ok,let's rest 60 seconds before your next set.

[0121] When using different exercise equipment, there can be a need forsubstantive instructional language. Particularly when strength training,relevant guidance may be provided with respect to the following: whichequipment to use first or next, how is that equipment correctly used,how much weight (resistence) should be set on the machine, how many repsshould be performed, how much rest should be taken between sets, etc..These are all classic informational input that would otherwise beprovided by a live personal trainer. While there is plenty ofinstruction that is given, there is also substantial opportunity formotivation and motivational language. In each case, the monitor reportsfeedback relating to the exercise that is more then simply counting repsor time or calculating distance.

[0122] The actual verbal messages will vary with different equipment. Auser can customize the workout as training proceeds. The user can changethe order of exercise, delete exercises/work stations, add exerciseswork stations, or otherwise modify a workout. The actual feed backresponse is only provided to the actual performance of an exercise bythe user.

[0123] Additional variations to the verbal messages may be available byactivating, inserting or loading different speech packages or “scripts”into the processor. A processor may have a plurality of “preprogrammed”scripts. A processor may be programmable so that a plurality of scriptscould be downloaded into it from a computer or the internet. Theprocessor could also read computer disks, CD's, memory cards or othermemory storage components. In any one or more of these alternatives, auser could preselect a specific workout designed for them personally orfor a particular type of workout.

[0124] The invention has been described in terms of various preferredembodiments and variations thereof. However, it should be clearlyunderstood that numerous modifications may be made thereto withoutdeparting from the scope of the invention as defined by the appendedclaims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An exercise monitor for monitoring theperformance of an exercise being performed on exercise equipment,comprising: a detector for detecting a function associated with theperformance of successive exercise movements on the exercise equipmentand outputting a corresponding signal; a processor for receiving theoutput signal of the detector and selecting, based upon the outputsignal, a block of sound data for generating a verbal phrase forproviding a user with verbal encouragement to motivate the user tocontinue to perform the exercise on the exercise equipment; and a speechgenerator for generating a voice for corresponding to the selected blockof sound data.
 2. An exercise monitor according to claim 1, wherein thedetector comprises a mechanical switch for detecting movement of theuser.
 3. An exercise monitor according to claim 1, wherein the processorfurther selects, based on the output signal of the detector, a block ofsound data for providing the user with at least one of verbalinstruction for performing an exercise using the exercise equipment, averbal alarm indicating an incorrectly performed exercise or a dangeroushealth condition, and a verbal progress or status indication.
 4. Anexercise monitor according to claim 1, further comprising a monitor formonitoring physiological condition of the user and outputting acorresponding signal to the processor; wherein the processor furtherselects, based on the output signal of the monitor, a block of sounddata for providing the user with at least one of verbal instructions forperforming an exercise using the exercise equipment, a verbal alarmindicating an incorrectly performed exercise or a dangerous healthcondition, and a verbal progress or status indication.
 5. An exercisemonitor according to claim 1, wherein the detector, the processor andthe speech generator are incorporated in a housing of the exerciseequipment.
 6. An exercise monitor according to claim 1, furthercomprising a visual display for providing information indicative ofperformance of the exercise by the user.
 7. An exercise monitoraccording to claim 1, wherein the sound data includes datarepresentative of a plurality of verbal encouragement phrases; and theprocessor selects one of the phrases based on the user's progress inperforming the exercise so as to motivate the user to continue toperform the exercise.
 8. An exercise monitor according to claim 1,further comprising a plurality of types of exercise equipment on whichexercise is performed and monitored.
 9. An exercise monitor according toclaim 1, wherein the detector is incorporated in a housing of theexercise equipment.
 10. An exercise monitor according to claim 9,wherein the processor and the speech generator are incorporated in aportable device.
 11. An exercise monitor according to claim 1, whereinthe functions detected by the detector comprise repetitions of exercisemovements and quantification of the exercise movements.
 12. An exercisemonitor for monitoring the performance of an exercise being performed onexercise equipment, comprising: a detector for detecting a functionassociated with the performance of successive exercise movements on theexercise equipment and outputting a corresponding signal; a processorfor receiving the output signal of the detector and selecting, basedupon the output signal, a block of sound data for generating a verbalphrase for providing a user with verbal instructions for performing theexercise on the exercise equipment; and a speech generator forgenerating a voice for corresponding to the selected block of sounddata.
 13. An exercise monitor for monitoring the performance of anexercise, comprising: a detector for detecting a function associatedwith the performance of successive exercise movements and outputting acorresponding signal; a processor for receiving the output signal of themotion detector and selecting, based upon the value thereof, a block ofsound data for generating a verbal phrase for providing a user withverbal instructions for performing the exercise; and a speech generatorfor generating a voice for corresponding to the selected block of sounddata.
 14. An exercise monitor according to claim 13, wherein thedetector comprises an accelerometer for detecting movement of the user.15. An exercise monitor according to claim 14, wherein the detectorfunction comprises at least one of walking, running, breathing, pulserate and repetitive movement.
 16. An exercise monitor according to claim13, further comprising a monitor for monitoring a physiologicalcondition of the user and outputting a corresponding signal to theprocessor; wherein the processor further selects, based on the outputsignal of the monitor, a block of sound data for providing the user withat least one of verbal instructions for performing an exercise using theexercise device, a verbal alarm indicating an incorrectly performedexercise or a dangerous health condition, and a verbal progress orstatus indication.
 17. An exercise monitor according to claim 13,wherein the sound data includes data representing a monitored functionof the exercise, the monitored function comprising at least one ofdistance, rate, speed and number of repetitions; and the processorselects at appropriate intervals sound data based on the monitoredfunction and controls the speech generator to verbally announce theselected sound data.
 18. An exercise monitor according to claim 17,wherein the processor controls the speech generator to generate theselected verbal instructions between or in place of more successivelygenerated verbal phrases corresponding to the monitored function.
 19. Anexercise monitor according to claim 13, wherein the detector, theprocessor and the speech generator are incorporated in a housing of anexercise device.
 20. An exercise monitor according to claim 13, furthercomprising a visual display indicative of performance of the exercise bythe user.
 21. An exercise monitor according to claim 13, wherein thesound data includes data representative of a plurality of verbalinstructional phrases; and the processor selects one of the phrasesbased on the user's progress in performing the exercise so as toinstruct the user how to continue to perform the exercise.